Betty Lou Sturm

Betty Lou DuFriend Sturm, known by those she loved as “Lou,” passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, at Presbyterian Manor in Newton, Kansas.   Lou was 97 years old.

Lou was born in Alton, Illinois, on August 20, 1926.  Lou would later move with her family to Newton, Kansas, where she would spend the rest of her life.  One summer, while working at the Harvey House news stand in the Newton train station, she would catch the eye of a sailor passing through town on a World War II Navy troop train.  After a short chat and exchange of addresses, that sailor, Sam Sturm, told Lou he was going to come back to Newton and marry her one day.  He did, and Sam and Lou were married for 71 years.

Lou helped put Sam through law school at Washburn working jobs as a bank teller and dental hygienist.  As Sam’s career progressed, Lou dedicated her life to serving God and her family.  She was an active supporter of the Arthritis Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors for the Newton Presbyterian Manor where she spent many years organizing the Apple Blossom Festival, one of her favorite annual events.

Lou led with love in all things, and it is the legacy of love that she leaves with her family that will last for generations.  No one delighted in children more than Lou did.  Wearing her signature high heels, she would spend hours playing games like “hamperball” with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   If you gave Lou a baby, that baby would never touch a crib; Lou would cuddle the baby lovingly in her arms, no matter how long she had it.  Family members will cherish memories of her holiday dinners, with every detail thoughtfully planned and executed.

Lou’s ability to share of her heart so effortlessly came from her eternal and unyielding faith in God.  Lou prayed in a way that convinced you she had the Lord on speed dial.  She was a student of the Bible and in all things, an obedient and faithful servant of Jesus.

Lou was preceded in death by her husband, the Hon. Samuel Sturm, her sons, Jeffrey Sturm and Samuel “Sammy” Sturm, her parents, Albert and Bessie, and her siblings, Jack DuFriend, Max DuFriend, Jean Onstott, and Helene Nye.   Lou is survived by her daughter, LouAnn (Jack) Ritchie of Wichita; grandchildren Sam (Anna) Ritchie of Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Cole (Dr. Jamie) Ritchie of Lawrence, Daniel (Sloan Smith) Ritchie of Wichita, Lindsey Sturm of Nixa, Missouri, Camille (Sam) Dial of Newton, Courtney (Dallen Harris) Sturm of Wichita, and Alexander Sturm, of Wichita; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, at the Newton First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Main St., Newton, Kansas, 67114.  A reception will follow.  Memorial contributions may be made in Lou’s name to the Newton First Church of the Nazarene at the address above or by calling (316) 283-4270.